Dearly Beloved Brethren,
Today we want to specially remember Thanksgiving Day. It is in the tradition of our Church to set aside one Lord’s Day in each year to remind ourselves to express our gratefulness to the Lord’s goodness in our lives and in our Church. I believe this is a good tradition worthwhile to continue every year. The reason is because we are forgetful and ungrateful people. Though it is expected of us to be a praising people unto our God daily, yet the truth is that this is often lacking. We hear more murmurings and complaints from God’s people rather than praises.
Though there is no holiday in Singapore for Thanksgiving Day, countries such as United States and Canada do designate Thanksgiving Day as a holiday. It is commonly believe that the first Thanksgiving happened in 1621, at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts USA. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and to express thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation to God, family and friends for which all have been blessed of material possessions and relationships.
I would like to share 2 verses from the Bible to challenge us to rekindle the flame of gratefulness in our hearts.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” 1 Thessalonians 5: 18.
We can learn 2 important lessons :
1. Give Thanks in Every Thing
Our lives are filled with both good times as well as bad times. It is in the good counsel of God that He has ordained that we should need to go through joy and sorrow; laughter and weeping; togetherness and parting. We are exhorted to give thanks in every thing. Not just the moment of joy, laughter and togetherness but also in those moments of sorrow, tears and parting. The reason why we can give thanks in every thing and through every season of life is because we know God has ordained all these events in our lives with His good purpose.
2. Giving Thanks is God’s Will
Many Christians like to ask the question “What is God’s will for my life?” The answer is found here in this verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. God’s will is very clearly stated that when we give thanks in every thing, we have done and fulfilled the will of God. When we have done God’s will, we will receive the commendation and approval from the Lord. This is the most wonderful thing for a Christian to experience. If you are seeking God’s will for your life, begin by praising Him in every thing. Acknowledge Him as the Sovereign God who controls all things. Praise Him for His greatness and His love and care for you. As you do God’s will in giving thanks, you will surely receive God’s guidance in the next step to take whether it is in your career or study life.
“Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me…” Psalm 50:23a
Every Christian desires to glorify God in our lives. In fact, we are commanded whether in eating or drinking, we should do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31). In Psalm 50:23a, we know that praising God is surely one key aspect of our Christian life that God will be glorified. When we praise God, we let others know that God is real in our lives and He is always our strength and help. This is a good testimony to unbelievers and also an encouragement to fellow believers who may be struggling in their difficulties. We can offer praise to God through our sharing among brethren; writings in the weekly and even via sms or email to others. Let us not keep silent when we have received so many blessings from the Lord.
May the Doxology “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” that we sing in every worship service come sincerely from our hearts!
Elder John Leong
Thanksgiving
I would like to thank God for helping me in my exams this year. Although I think I did quite well, there is still room for improvement. I also want to thank Him for keeping me safe and also recovery from injured ankle; for putting me into a good class with caring friends; and for my form and co-form teachers who care and teach us the various subjects.
‘O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever’ 1 Chronicles 16:34.
Brother Gideon Yeow
Psalm 46:1, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’
I want to thank God for helping me to improve both my physical and spiritual health this year. I got a very bad and long gastritis attack since the beginning of this year and I was feeling down and discouraged. But it was also during this difficult time, with friends and church members’ encouragement and prayers, I began to walk closer to God and find comfort and healing in our Lord Jesus Christ. Once again, I want to thank God for His love and deliverance.
Brother Simon Lim
I want to thank God for His loving kindness toward Simon and me. He has protected us and given us comfort during our difficult time. Though we are badly affected by our health, we have never given up on Him. Instead, we put our trust in Him and look to Him for help.
I thank God for the many blessings and also prayers of our church members and friends. With the encouragement and comfort from all, we started to walk closer with God and spend more time reading God’s Word. God indeed brings peace, joy and comfort to both of us.
I would like to end this thanksgiving by always remembering this verse which is taken from Psalm 117:2, ‘For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.’
Sister Joana Yeow